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Tikka lite 223

I have just bought a stainless tikka lite after some advise from some of you on here.
First of all, it's advertised as stainless but just looks as if it's plated, are they all like this?
Also it has 8" on the barrel, does this mean 1 in 8 twist rate?
If it does mean 1 in 8 does this mean it won't be as accurate with lighter bullets such as 40gr?
The barrel needs threading, so while I am getting this done it would be the best time to get the barrel to the correct length. I will mainly be shooting from a 4x4 with nightvision so the shorter the better but I don't want to spoil the rifle.
What length would you say would be the best for a small hunting rifle without loosing any performance in the rifle?

I use a T3 stainless 1/8 for foxing.
Yes 8" means 1/8" twist.
My 223 is a bit finicky with lighter bullets but still groups around an inch with most but seems to prefer 69gr.
At around 20" she'd still shoot fine.
edi

Thanks for your answers,
The reason I ask about 40gr is that the only ammo I could get in the shop was 40gr v max and 55gr ppu.
I don't reload but know someone that is going to do some for me when I have some empty cases.
I am hoping it will be ok with the ppu and then I won't have to worry about reloading for the time being. I will try and swap the 40gr for a heavier bullet.
I was hoping to get the length down to about 18 inches.

Thanks for your answers,
The reason I ask about 40gr is that the only ammo I could get in the shop was 40gr v max and 55gr ppu.
I don't reload but know someone that is going to do some for me when I have some empty cases.
I am hoping it will be ok with the ppu and then I won't have to worry about reloading for the time being. I will try and swap the 40gr for a heavier bullet.
I was hoping to get the length down to about 18 inches.

are you looking to shoot some longer range targets with it etc. if so then the 1 in 8 twist is great for pushing the heavier bullets with better bc.
if you are then i wouldn't cut it to short. as you will want to keep some extra length to keep fps speeds up

are you looking to shoot some longer range targets with it etc. if so then the 1 in 8 twist is great for pushing the heavier bullets with better bc.
if you are then i wouldn't cut it to short. as you will want to keep some extra length to keep fps speeds up